Amid growing concerns about attendance and engagement, church leaders are seeking new strategies to navigate contemporary challenges. A recent survey highlights the key areas where church leaders feel most pressure, offering insight into the focus of upcoming church conferences.
The Christian Resources Exhibition conducted a survey involving 147 church leaders, focusing on administration, youth engagement, worship, and building management. The survey sought to refine the content of its October exhibition, honing in on the issues that matter most to church leaders today.
According to the survey, a significant 62 percent of respondents identified growing church attendance, improving discipleship, and engaging younger generations as their primary challenges. Nearly half of the leaders (47 percent) pointed to community outreach and mission as major concerns, while 42 percent highlighted financial sustainability and fundraising difficulties. Leadership development and burnout were the main issues for 41 percent of respondents, and over a third (39 percent) cited church building maintenance as a significant challenge.
These concerns align closely with the areas where church leaders seek practical support and training. More than half (53 percent) of the respondents expressed a need for assistance with church growth and evangelism. Community engagement and social action were priorities for 43 percent, while 37 percent requested help with youth, children, and family programs, as well as leadership and wellbeing. Additionally, 27 percent sought guidance on building projects and securing grants.
The findings of the survey are being used to tailor the upcoming October conference to better meet the needs of church leaders. A large majority (77 percent) of participants expressed a desire for practical insights that could be immediately implemented, while 38 percent saw the exhibition as a valuable networking opportunity with fellow church leaders.
The event will include a two-day Church Leaders Conference, with Andy Flannagan, the executive director of Christians in Politics, serving as moderator. Flannagan remarked, “Church leaders are navigating incredibly complex cultural, pastoral and organisational challenges. I’m really looking forward to hosting the Church Leaders Conference at CRE and helping create space for honest conversation, practical insight and encouragement. This is about listening well to church leaders and shaping a programme that genuinely supports them in the realities of ministry today.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
